Knowing which USCIS form to file when your green card is expiring can be confusing but is essential to ensuring that your application is processed as quickly and as smoothly as possible. In this guide, we will clarify the differences between the two primary forms used to address expiring green cards:  

1. Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), and 
2. Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. 

We will outline when each form is used, as well as some of the primary differences between the two processes. Let’s dive in! 

Understanding the Two Primary Green Card Categories:

‍

First, it's important to understand the two primary green card categories, each of which require a unique “renewal” process when the card is nearing its expiry: 

1. Conditional Permanent Resident Cards/Green Cards, 
   
   1. Valid for 2 years from the date of issue.  
   2. Conditional on the applicant being able to provide additional evidence
   3. Requires the removal of the applicant’s green card / legal permanent residence “conditional status” rather than a formal renewal 
      
2. Permanent Resident Cards, 
   
   1. Valid for 10 years from the date of issue 
   2. Requires a renewal of the applicant's green card / legal permanent residence status 

To know whether you have a standard green card or a conditional green card, simply compare your green card expiration date with your green card issue date.

• If valid for 2 years, you likely have a conditional green card.
• If valid for 10 years, you likely have a standard green card.

Why Conditional Green Cards are Issued: 

Conditional green cards are typically issued when the green card is obtained through marriage, and the marriage was less than two years old at the time of issuance. The idea is that the green card benefit is “conditional” on the applicant being able to provide USCIS with additional evidence of a “bona-fide” / legitimate relationship two years after the green card was issued. This is done by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence and by including extensive relationship evidence at the time of filing. USCIS will evaluate the application and determine if sufficient proof has been provided that the marriage was entered into for legitimate reasons. If the application is approved, USCIS will remove conditions on the permanent resident status and issue a 10-year green card. 

 Applicants who have been married more than 2 years at the date the green card was issued OR who obtained a green card through a different filing category than marriage, generally receive a 10-year green card initially.  

‍

Key Differences Between the Two Processes 

‍

Here’s a detailed comparison of the two processes based on the type of green card you hold:

‍

Key Takeaways

1. Form I-751 is for removing conditions on a 2-year conditional green card.
2. Form I-90 is for replacing an incorrect, damaged, or missing green card as well as renewing a 10-year permanent resident card.
3. Filing on time is critical to avoid legal or logistical complications.

Need Help with Your Application? 

SimpleCitizen helps save you time and money by simplifying the green card renewal and condition removal process. Take our eligibility quiz to get started and use the code TAKE10 at check out to save 10% off your purchase! 

We’re happy you’re here and we can’t wait to work with you! 

‍